Visit Sugar Ridge & Experience the
First Light Festival at Sainte Marie Among the Hurons

Three weekends to choose from!

Reconnect with yourself over these weekend retreats.

Take time just for you, lose some stress, you can feel more centered and able to deal with whatever life presents. Just being in the Sugar Ridge environment is a peaceful experience.

Listen to the birds, the breeze, feel your heartbeat, your breath. Enjoy whole foods and nourish your soul at the same time.

Throughout the weekend you are invited to explore various forms of mindfulness meditations (vipassana) including sitting, walking and eating as well as mindful movement through yoga, keeping in mind that everything is optional. The word Vipassana means seeing things as they really are. It is the process of self- purification by self-observation. Basically we cultivate the ability to pay attention, while knowing that we’re paying attention. We begin by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With a sharpened awareness we proceed to observe the changing nature of body and mind and the environment we’re in. Ideally we cultivate the ability to pay attention moment to moment without needing to sit still to do it, taking mindfulness into daily living.

On Saturday evening we will visit the First Light Festival at the historic Sainte Marie Among the Hurons. Our meditation will be drumming in the long house. We will enjoy traditional drumming, native singing and storytelling as well. Explore the rest of the grounds, find unique Christmas gifts with the artisans on site and enjoy herbal tea or hot chocolate by the outdoor fires. Thousands of candles light the grounds of Sainte Marie Among the Hurons and it’s a beautiful space to walk through mindfully.

No experience is necessary and this retreat is perfect if you’re curious about meditation but not sure how to start or what to expect.

Everything over the weekend is completely optional. If you need to sleep in then skip the early morning yoga session. If a massage is the nurturing you need, we can book that for you. Allow this weekend to be the kindest gift you could ever give yourself and honour your needs.

You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the ambiance, the new friends.Depart at your leisure

This retreat is perfect for you even if you have physical limitations to movement, little or no meditation or yoga experience. Beginners will discover how to sit comfortably and experienced practitioners can deepen their practice. No need to sit on the floor if that’s not comfortable – chairs are always available.